The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

This week we answer a listener's question about a day in the life of an experienced fly fisher--but more how to prepare for a day than what he or she would actually do once on the water, which can vary greatly from day to day or on different kinds of waters.  In this week's fly box, we talk about what color is most visible on attractor fly wings (you will be as surprised as I was!), how to pick the right reel seat, and what color to choose on attractor flies.  Plus Phil Monahan updates us on the latest juicy bits from the Orvis blog.

American Rivers released its annual Orvis-sponsored Ten Most Endangered Rivers Report this week.  In this episode, Phil Monahan interviews David Moryc, Senior Director of River Protection at American Rivers about the list.

This week I give a brief and sorta rambling overview of fly-fishing history, which is difficult to do in a short podcast so I've included the names of a couple good books on the subject.  In this week's fly box, we have two casting tips, a word about "lining" fish, a short discussion of what to do when faced with crowded trout streams, and help when trying to detect a strike when nymph fishing. Lots of little bits and pieces!

In this week's podcast, the main event is The Dawn Patrol, on the pleasures, perils, and advantages of getting up as early as a turkey hunter to get some of the best fly fishing of the season.  We'll discuss dawn fishing for trout, tarpon, stripers, bonefish, permit, and steelhead.  In this weeks' fly box we'll explore small stream trout rods, a couple tips for fighting fish, and how to fish alongside your buddies.

With many trout rivers into serious runoff this month, and more to come as western snows melt, listeners have been asking for an early season stillwater podcast.  This week I was lucky enough to interview Phil Rowley, one of the most knowledgeable stillwater anglers in the world and co-host of "The New Fly Fisher" TV show on World Fishing Network.  I know I learned a lot in the show and I am sure you will as well.  As an added bonus, there are some extra video tips from Phil, courtesy of "The New Fly Fisher".

Welcome to our first installment of "Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor," starring our own Peter Kutzer. A couple weeks ago, we asked you to post some questions about your biggest casting problems. Reader "Phil" wrote, "Any tips you can give on casting heavily weighted flies would be appreciated," and "Dave R." asked a much more specific version of the same question: When practicing with my 9wt with a piece of yarn tied to my leader (9' tied with 54" 40#, 18" 30# and 18" 15# tippet. All Maxima Ultra Green) I can cast consistently to 50' and beyond. But when I tie on a weighted fly ( clouser size 1 hook with small eyes) my line and leader seem to pile up and I have problems getting past 40'. So, cameraman Eric Weisledder and I met Peter at the casting ponds beside the Orvis Retail Store in Manchester, Vermont, so he could offer some tips on casting a heavy fly in the wind. Aside from being an excellent caster and teacher, Peter turns out to be a natural in front of the camera. And check out the way he nonchalantly switches hands to demonstrate the oval cast. If you've got more questions for Peter, post them on our Facebook page, and we'll address each casting problem in a new video.

Discover tips for fishing during spring runoff, including the right strategies for tackling high, cold, and muddy waters. Explore fly rod design and how to effectively fish in pressured areas. Listeners share innovative techniques, and there's a fun take on the realities of fly-fishing media. With practical advice and engaging stories, this discussion highlights the importance of patience and adaptability for any angler facing challenging conditions.

This week we have a couple of interesting fly box items--one on reeling right or left hand, and the other on how to dress for fly fishing.  The main podcast is about evaluating a new trout stream to figure out how fast to move, what fly to use, and how rich the stream is.  I also include a shameless plug for my new book Small Stream Trout Fishing.

We have a very exciting podcast for you this week.  Many of you have asked for a pike podcast, and we've delivered what I think is one of our best presentations in two parts. Part 1 is an audio interview I conduct with pike expert Drew Price, where he goes into great detail on where, when, and how to catch pike. Also in part 1,  we have some tips in the Fly Box section on fishing CDC flies, choosing one rod for bass and trout, and how to get your nymph deep in small plunge pools. Part 2 is a video where we have  tips on pike fishing (along with some shots of nice pike caught on a fly), courtesy of The New Fly Fisher TV show, the best how-to fly fishing show on TV right now (it's on World Fishing Network and some PBS stations).  I know I learned a ton from interviewing Drew and watching the video and can't wait to get at the pike this spring. Leave us comments on this show at www.orvisnews.com/flyfishing/flyfishingforpike.aspx

Tom takes another great podcast suggestion from our voicemail line and turns it in to our longest episode yet at just over an hour. It's packed with 15 tips for fishing the evening hatch. Have a suggestion or a comment? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com, LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orvisflyfishing or call us at 802-362-8800.